Trade deadline rumblings

With just nine measly points separating the top seed from the ninth seed in the Eastern Conference, there will likely be a lot of teams looking to improve themselves before the Feb. 26 the trade deadline.

Larry Brooks writes that Tampa Bay defenseman Dan Boyle, an impending free agent who also has a no-trade clause, is suddenly available. Brooks tells us that Tampa would like to sign Boyle, but that scenario appears less and less likely. Other teams "monitoring the situation" according to Brooks include Philly, Pittsburgh and Ottawa. However, the no-trade clause may force Tampa's hand into dealing him to the Rangers, the team Brooks mentions as Boyle's preferred destination. Since returning from an injury on January 24 that kept him out for most of the season, Boyle has played in 11 games and notched three goals and seven assists. As TSN discusses, whether or not Boyle gets traded could depend on how the Lightning end up faring in their dealings with their other veteran commodities.

Boyle would be enticing, depending on what the team would have to give up for him. He's not worth a top-level prospect, but he'd be worth a package of lesser prospects and perhaps a later-round draft pick. Sam Weinman penned a list of Ranger players and prospects he feels should be untouchable, and ones he feels could be dealt. The problem is, the "untouchable" ones are the exact same players team will ask the Rangers about.

Sean Avery and the team appear to be closer to inking a one-year deal.

The Rangers may be interested in bringing back Martin Rucinsky again, and could ship Marek Malik to St. Louis for him, though they'd need another defenseman from somewhere to make up for the loss. Interesting thought, as Rucinsky was/is one of our favorite Rangers in recent memory. But we're not sure what Rucinsky brings to the table these days, and we're not sure that he would do anything but clog up the ice for the speedy younger guys.

Scott Burnside thinks Avery and Jaromir Jagr will both remain with the team after the deadline, but adds that if they do, "... that will force Sather to consider moving other assets to improve his club." Burnside adds: "[Sather's] primary concern will be finding a puck-moving defenseman. One thing seems clear -- this is a team that needs something." Steve Zipay is wondering who you'd like to see the Rangers go after.